Orissa university to confer doctorate on Pt Jasraj

Vocalist Pandit Jasraj will be conferred a doctorate by Utkal University, Orissa, for his outstanding contribution to Indian classical music on Wednesday.

The Governor of Orissa and Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture Murlidhar Bhandare will present the doctorate to the Mewati Gharana maestro.

As the 82-year-old musician is on a vacation at the South Pole, his daughter Durga Jasraj will collect the doctorate on his behalf.

“Endowed with a rich, soulful and sonorous voice which traverses effortlessly over three and a half octaves, Panditji’s vocalising is characterised by a harmonius blend of classic and opulent elements, projecting traditional music as an intense spiritual expression. This gives his music a distinct emotional quality,” Durga told DNA.

Pandit Jasraj has been earlier conferred doctorates by the Vishwa Unnayan Sansad, West Bengal, and Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata.

Born into a family of leading musicians, Pandit Jasraj had his initial grooming under his late father Pandit Moti Ram and then trained under his late elder brother and guru, Pandit Mani Ram.

He is the recipient of several titles and awards such as the Padma Vibhusahn, Sangeet Martand, and Sangeet Kala Ratna.